The Celtics bench isn’t known for being game changers this season with all of Boston’s top five scorers residing in the starting lineup. Don’t mistake a lack of scoring firepower for a lack of importance though. The unit boasts top-5 rankings in both field goal percentage and 3-point shooting percentage and has the best net-rating (+3.2/game) out of any bench in the league.
Therefore, it comes as little surprise that Boston suffered their first two-game losing streak of the year this past week amid struggles from the reserves. On Tuesday night in Cleveland, the Celtics bench (18 points) was outscored by Dean Wade (23 points) all by himself as the unit opened the door to a 22-point Cavs rally in the fourth quarter. The trouble continued on Thursday night in Denver amid a complete offensive no-show (10 points, 3-of-8 FG) while getting outclassed by younger, less talented Nuggets reserves (28 points) in a tight loss.
With Kristaps Porzingis out of the lineup on Saturday night with hamstring tightness, the attention would be turned to the reserves with 6th man Al Horford moved into the starting lineup. The Suns bench was they weak spot on the roster and the Celtics took full advantage of that fact in a 117-107 win.
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Despite only playing three reserves (Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet, Payton Pritchard), the Celtics bench outscored the Suns reserves 27-16 and earned some high praise from Joe Mazzulla after the win.
“They were amazing, they were tremendous,” Mazzulla said. “I thought Payton changed the game with his defense, you know, him and Sam (Hauser) both are known for offensive guys, but I think it’s been their defense that’s really helped us this year. Luke’s ability to play versus the second unit and switching really gave us a great look. And then, when they went to touch, he was able to set great screens. That unit has been great for us all year, but tonight they were big time.”
Those are the type of performances that will help swing game sequences against good playoff teams and the Celtics are acquitting themselves well on that front. Pritchard has bounced back remarkably well from an ugly shooing slump to begin the year to hit 38.2 percent from 3-point range. His defensive pressure has changed the game on many nights this year though along with his nose for offensive rebounding, two traits opponents aren’t ready for.
Hauser (41.6 percent from 3) is far more confident in getting shots up this season whenever he has a window of opportunity. Meanwhile, Kornet and Xavier Tillman look like a nice rotating cast for Joe Mazzulla to choose from based on the opponent. Kornet made a strong case to secure that role for the majority of backup center reps on Saturday night, with a mix of strong rim defense and a regular lob threat in the paint.
Ultimately, second-unit performances won’t win the Celtics a series but it should swing a couple games this postseason. If any injury arises this postseason to a frontcourt player, Boston’s reserve look capable of holding their own even in a tough road environment like we saw Saturday night. That’s an encouraging sign for a group that has the best starting five in the NBA.
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